Tired of feeling drained by difficult clients?  Sometimes, letting go is the best way to grow! Listen now as our host Denise Cagan shares her candid insights on a topic many small business owners avoid: firing clients.  

It certainly may seem daunting and even counterintuitive; after all, we all want MORE clients, which means more business! But what if some clients are actually hurting your organization? 

In this episode, Denise explores 3 key reasons why parting ways with a client might be the smartest move. Ready to build a prosperous business with a client roster you LOVE?  Tune in now for practical advice and real-life examples to help you make those tough decisions. 

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

You can have the most innovative ideas and strategies, but if you lack emotional intelligence, you might fall short of your leadership potential. 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Erica Emmett, founder of FYR Consulting (pronounced fire) and a certified Gallup Strengths coach, as she shares her expertise on the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace. With a diverse background spanning law, veterinary medicine, and recruitment, Erica brings a unique perspective on navigating the human dynamics of leadership. 

Learn to build trust, navigate difficult conversations, and create a more productive workplace through enhanced self-awareness, empathy, and communication. Discover how emotional intelligence and a growth mindset drive success in today's business landscape. 

Don't miss this episode packed with valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your leadership skills and unlock the full potential of your team! 

You can connect with Erica via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-emmett/ 

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

Think you landed your dream job? A few weeks ago, a very excited young woman contacted Denise Cagan regarding an email she received from Denise's company offering her a very attractive position. The problem was that her company was being impersonated! In this episode, Denise explores how today's increasing reliance on technology has made the job market a prime target for cybercriminals. These constantly evolving threats are having a negative impact on both job seekers and businesses. 

 Want to learn practical advice about the tactics used by online imposters to target individuals seeking new opportunities and companies looking to expand their workforce? Denise shares how to spot red flags in unsolicited job offers, protect your personal information, and verify the legitimacy of opportunities. 

She also provides useful advice for employers on strengthening online security measures and safeguarding their reputation against impersonation scams. Don't become a victim! Listen now to learn how to navigate the job market safely and effectively. 

Report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center: https://www.ic3.gov/ 

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

Join us in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Sandy Fiaschetti, founder and managing partner of Lodestone People Consulting. She is an expert in organizational psychology, specializing in leadership development, assessment, and coaching. Her focus is on optimizing people-related systems, including organizational culture, employee engagement, talent management, and executive coaching. 

In this episode, Dr. Fiaschetti joins our host Denise Cagan to share valuable insights. They discuss how organizations can identify, develop, and place the right leaders to achieve their strategic objectives. Click play and discover the importance of a data-driven, customized, and holistic approach to leadership development. Learn how her firm utilizes scientific methods and psychometric assessments to provide objective insights into leadership capabilities. As an example, imagine a leader struggling to manage an argumentative employee. How should a leader react to effectively address the situation and contribute to a positive work environment? The answer lies in this episode.  

Dr. Fiaschetti is on a mission to bring the big-company secrets of organizational psychology to small and medium-sized businesses just like yours. Listen now to discover how she can make an impact in your business! 

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

Tired of hiring candidates who look great on paper but can't deliver? The cost of bad hires in time, money, and morale is staggering. But what if there's a better way? Robyn Grable, an award-winning advocate for veterans, disabled individuals, and those deserving of a second opportunities, joins us to reveal how business owners can beat the hiring crunch with skills-based hiring. As a Navy veteran and CEO of Talents Ascend, Robyn has spent over 30 years in HR, championing underserved talent pools. 

 In this episode, she shares her expertise on: 

Skills-Based Hiring: Discover how this approach opens doors for talented individuals who may not fit the conventional mold. 

Tapping a Diverse Pool of Talent: Learn how focusing on skills fosters a more inclusive workforce with the exact skills you need.  

Overcoming the Challenges: Get practical advice on rethinking job descriptions, using skills assessments, and providing ongoing training. 

Filtering for the Right Fit: Explore how to ensure candidates not only have the skills but also align with your company culture. 

 Tune in to discover the future of hiring and how you can tap into a wider range of talent to drive innovation, growth, and lasting success for your organization. 

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

Are you feeling the flames of burnout licking at your heels? You're not alone. In this episode, we're diving deep into the fiery depths of entrepreneurial exhaustion with a woman who's not just an expert, but a survivor.  

Meet Julie Bee, burnout strategist, and author of the groundbreaking book, "Burned: How Business Owners Can Overcome Burnout and FUEL Success."  With over 15 years in the trenches, Julie has been hailed by AP News, Fast Company, and Forbes for her uncanny ability to transform businesses and reignite passion in their leaders. But her biggest transformation? Overcoming her own burnout.  

Don't let burnout consume you – hit play and reignite your passion for success.   

 https://thejuliebee.com 

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

You can have great processes and technology, but if you don't have the right people-power you will fall short of your goals.

Join us for a fascinating chat with Jennifer White, an industrial engineer and process optimization pro from The MJW Group. She'll share how she helps businesses run smoother, using data and a deep understanding of how people interact with systems and technology. Learn how to make smarter decisions, improve your processes, and navigate the tricky waters of technology adoption. We'll also talk about the challenges of leading teams in today's fast-paced world and how to adapt your workforce to stay ahead of the curve.

Don't miss this episode packed with practical tips and strategies to make your business thrive!

You can connect with Jennifer via LinkedIn. 

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered how the hours you spend sitting each day might be silently sabotaging your health? Sitting for extended periods can lead to many health issues from poor posture to chronic pain. Today’s guest discusses women’s health, corrective exercises, and the impacts of prolonged sitting.
For more than 17 years, Holly Beebe has empowered women of all ages to achieve greater fitness, health, and confidence. Her expertise spans across various life stages, from adolescence to post-menopause. Holly holds a bachelor's degree in exercise science and is certified in massage therapy, pre and postnatal corrective exercise, and precision nutrition. In this episode, Holly emphasizes the importance of strengthening core muscles, preventing posture-related issues like back pain and disc problems. She also shares proactive measures such as stretching at desks, and regular movement breaks to counteract sedentary lifestyles.
Ready to get up and get moving? Holly is offering a special introductory training package for listeners interested in personalized fitness sessions: https://www.massagebook.com/escalate-wellness/massage/deals/Intro-to-Training-podcast-special/142431

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

How can overcoming entrepreneur isolation and fostering authentic social connections lead to greater well-being and success? Today’s guest shares tips on building a thriving support network that fuels both your professional and personal journey. 
Meet Melissa Wesner, licensed clinical professional counselor and founder of LifeSpring Counseling Services, a group counseling practice in Maryland. As a Brainspotting Consultant, she helps entrepreneurs overcome business challenges and feel more connected. In this episode, Melissa dives into her journey as a therapist and entrepreneur, highlighting the distinct paths of therapy and business. She stresses the importance of social connections for entrepreneurs’ well-being and emphasizes authentic networking through engaging activities like online office hours, team-building cruises, and even goat yoga! 
To learn more about Melissa, her work, and her journey, tune into her podcast!

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn

Have you ever experienced the chaos of a poorly executed onboarding process of a new hire? Today’s guest is a training expert focused on small business optimization. 
Dr. Tonya Robertson is the owner of Focused Training Solutions, where she assists business owners with the complexities of the onboarding process, ensuring a smooth start for new hires. Tonya’s path to entrepreneurship started during her experience working in corporate America. Soon she realized she was missing the flexibility owning her own business could provide. In today’s episode, Tonya stresses the significance of effective onboarding to reduce stress for owners and new hires and shares tips on how to optimize existing resources before introducing new tools to accommodate clients’ varying needs. 
To learn more about Dr. Tonya Robertson and her journey, check out her LinkedIn!  

About Your Host

DCA Virtual Business Support President, Denise Cagan, has been working with small businesses for over 20 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations such as Business Leaders of Charlotte (BLOC) and the National Association of Women Business Owners Charlotte (NAWBO). Denise is also a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs.

Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys speaking to business groups about social media for small businesses and motivating remote and work-from-home (WFH) teams. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University. With extensive experience in outsourcing solutions that provide administrative, creative, marketing, and website support, she is able to help other small businesses grow and thrive.

Connect with Denise

DCA Virtual Business Support website.

View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.

LinkedIn